Foodie Fun in Sugar Land

Foodie fun in Sugar Land: Wine & Food Affair features top chefs, cocktails and gastronomic wonders

Thirteen looks to be a lucky number for the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair. Taking place from April 6 to 10, the festival invites dining enthusiasts from across the Houston-area to celebrate all elements of gastronomy at the 13th annual foodie extravaganza.

On Wednesday night, the event begins with a sold out VIP seated dinner at NOAH's Event Venue featuring courses prepared by former Haven chef Randy Evans (now with H-E-B), Artisans owner Jacques Fox, and two chefs who are undoubtedly excited about being in warmer temps, Shanna and Brian O'Hea of Maine's The Kennebunk Inn. Hosted by California winemakers Randy and Charlene Lange, all courses will be paired with wines from their LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards.

Cocktail fans will want to round up a designated driver Thursday night, as five of Houston's top bartenders compete in the On the Rocks Bartenders Challenge ($40) at the Imperial Lofts. In addition to earning the bragging rights of having his or her cocktail designated the festival's official drink, the winner receives $1,500 from sponsor Hendricks Gin.

Some of Houston's top chefs will appear at Friday night's Grand Tasting ($150, VIP $225) at the Sugar Land Marriott. Look for Mike McElroy from CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Best New Restaurant nominee The Durham House, Neal Cox (the Houstonian Hotel), Manuel Pucha (La Table), Jett Hurapan (Songkran Thai Kitchen), and more. In addition, a silent auction featuring wine, trips, and memorabilia will raise funds for a scholarship at the University of Houston's Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Saturday's Sip and Stroll ($65) moves from the ground of the former Imperial Sugar factory (currently being transformed into the Imperial Market mixed-use complex) to Constellation Field. Highlights include an outdoor beer garden with 100 brews from 25 breweries and a butchery demonstration by the Rocky Mountain Institute of Meat.

Finally, Sunday's Bistro Brunch ($50) will take place at Sugar Land Town Square. The event features breakfast bites from around the world, plenty of cocktails like Bloody Marys and mimosas, and live music by Yvonne Washington.

Thursday night's bartender competition always offers a surprise or two.

Courtesy photo

Thursday night's bartender competition always offers a surprise or two.

festivals cocktails wine

Ready, set, Relish

River Oaks restaurant opens in Memorial with expanded menu and bold design

Photo by Julie Soefer

Relish's fan favorite lobster roll arrives in Memorial next week.

The wait is nearly over for Memorial residents who are looking forward to visiting the new location of Relish Restaurant & Bar. Its second location in Town & Country Village will open this Monday, December 2.

Located at 12850 Memorial Dr., the new Relish constitutes an enhanced version of the River Oaks location that owners Addie and Dustin Teague opened in 2016. At over 4,800-square-feet, it’s noticeably larger than its sibling, with seating for almost 200 diners. The extra room means the new location has both a dedicated bar/lounge area as well as a seven-seat oyster bar. A 10-seat chef’s table provides a view into the open kitchen.

Design details include antique mirrors and artwork sourced from markets in Round Top, pink terrazzo tiles, and exposed brick.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the team we’ve built and everybody that came together to make this happen,” executive chef and co-owner Dustin Teague said in a statement. “We are blown away by how it all turned out and are so excited to have the community experience our cuisine and hospitality in an absolutely stunning environment.”

Chef Teague worked with chef de cuisine Jack Humphrey on the restaurant’s menu. Of course, Relish favorites such as its fried chicken, lobster roll, and burger are present and accounted for. The chefs have added new items such as roast chicken with harissa and apricot-tomato couscous, vegetable lasagna with pasta that’s made in-house, and tuna tartare with tomato relish. Desserts include bourbon caramel carrot cake and soft serve ice cream that’s made in house. Beverage options include wine and cocktails.

“We’re going to continue rocking the same thing we’ve done at River Oaks with slight tweaks here and there,” Teague added. “At the end of the day, we’ve built this restaurant for the surrounding community and our mission is to always serve you and your family meals you can Relish.”

Initially, Relish will be open for dinner daily at 4:30 pm. Plans for lunch and brunch will be announced in January.

Photo by Julie Soefer

Relish's fan favorite lobster roll arrives in Memorial next week.

news-you-can-eat openings relish restaurant & bar